Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program

Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program

Status: Active pilot program (as of 2026)

Geographic Scope: National (United States); participating at 9 veterinary schools including Iowa State University, Penn State University, and Kansas State University

Focus Areas:

Support for veterinary students in career development

Address national shortage of rural, food-systems veterinarians

Tackling student debt and financial planning

Developing business management skills

Learning community engagement in rural areas

Mentorship from experienced veterinarians and educators

Eligibility:

Veterinary students

Early career veterinary professionals

Pre-veterinary undergraduate students (expanded scope as of 2025)

High school students interested in veterinary careers (expanded scope as of 2025)

Program Components:

Online educational hub with learning modules covering:

- Academic goal setting
- Financial and business planning
- Professional development
- Experiential learning opportunities

Mentorship through Veterinary Ambassadors program (experienced veterinarians and educators)

Collaboration with National FFA, 4-H, extension educators

Background:

The U.S. faces a critical shortage of veterinarians for livestock and poultry in rural areas

More than 900 counties face veterinary shortages (as of 2024)

Only 3-4% of new veterinary graduates pursue livestock/food animal practice (vs. 40% forty years ago)

Over 500 rural counties nationwide need veterinarians (as of 2024)

240 veterinary shortage areas designated across 47 states by USDA NIFA (2024)

To date, the pilot program has reached 450 students and early career professionals

Student feedback shows: 50%+ know where they want to practice; 70% interested in starting their own business; 60% desire mentorship after graduation

Funders: Zoetis Foundation (initial support); Merck Foundation (expansion funding, 5-year commitment as of July 2025)

Contact:

Dr. Clint Neill, Veterinary Program Manager, Farm Journal Foundation

Farm Journal Foundation: fjf@FarmJournalFoundation.org

401 9th St. NW Suite 730, Washington, DC 20004